Let Deuce loose!

by David "Satch" Kelly on Sep 16, 2008 5:34 PM CDT

Here's a LINK to a pretty good recent article from si.com on Deuce's desire to play. I'm starting to get frustrated with Payton and his unwillingness to explain in greater detail why he is holding Deuce out. I understand he may be playing it safe with Deuce and trying to avoid putting him on the field too soon and risk losing him for good this time. It's also possible that Pierre looks better to him in practices. I don't know, but I hope to find out more tomorrow. Members of the media are starting to ask questions now and write articles on this topic, so maybe Payton will give more information then.

Deuce thinks he's ready, so set him loose! I won't accept that he's a washed up running back until he's had a chance to perform in some real regular season games. Hardly anyone had faith he could come back going into the 2006 season, but then he rushed for over 1,000 yards and was (in my humble opinion) the MVP of that playoff win against the Eagles. I know he's older now and coming off two knee surgeries, but he must be given a chance.

I like Pierre a lot and fully realize that the problems with the Saints running game begin with the poor run blocking of the O-line. Maybe Deuce couldn't have picked up that crucial 1st down Sunday and kept the drive alive. I just want to see him get at least 10 to 15 carries in a game so we can get a better sense of where he is with his play.

I hate to admit it, but I'm starting to think it might be a case of Payton wanting to play his guys instead of Haslet's guys. Sometimes Payton gives me that impression on the offensive side of the ball at least. Maybe I'm wrong and I hope I am. Maybe I'm just overreacting after watching them lose a sure win on Sunday. Maybe if my grandmother had wheels she'd be a wagon. I don't know what's going on because Payton seems so damned secretive these days.

What do you guys think? I know some don't give Deuce a chance at being effective and think Pierre is the best possibility we have at RB. I'm certainly not knocking Pierre. I just wish Payton would better clarify the issue. After reading Deuce's quotes from yesterday, I'm starting to feel like he's not getting the respect he deserves from the organization.

Am I crazy?

This FanPost was written by a reader and member of Canal Street Chronicles. It does not necessarily reflect the views of CSC and its staff or editors.

Tweet Comment 6 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Maybe Payton doesn't trust the line

Maybe he doesn’t want to expose Deuce too much until the problems with the offensive line get straightened out.

Of course, that presupposes that Payton has some idea for straightening out the line. If he does, great, but he’d better not call me for advice, because I’m stumped.

I’ve said from the beginning that Pierre Thomas should be given a bigger role, but my idea was that he’d be Deuce’s backup, in the same way that Stecker could be Reggie’s backup. Reggie has his own role to play, and it’s not Deuce’s—he shouldn’t be thrown into the middle of the line on crucial third downs. If you don’t want to run Pierre, instead of running Reggie, run Deuce.

by MtnExile on Sep 16, 2008 8:24 PM CDT reply actions

couldnt agree more

Could Payton be more vague? Its really irritating. “He looks better than he did at training camp.. sooner than later.. you’ve got to trust your gut.. having a great rehab..” Why doesnt he just say “Deuce is somewhere between a paraplegic and 100%”

like you said. get him at least 10 carries a game. If anything, that would force the defense to respect his presence back there which could open things up a bit for the passing game.

Payton seems to be walking a fine line between the short term and the long term. Obviously, he wants Deuce around as long as possible, but he also needs to win games right now. So, its kind of a gamble with “can we beat this team without deuce..? I think so. Lets hold him out and get him a little better.” “Oops.”

by nepomo on Sep 17, 2008 9:41 AM CDT reply actions

Great way to put it

Why doesnt he just say "Deuce is somewhere between a paraplegic and 100%"

Yeah, Payton has been very vague in regards to Deuce and McKenzie, which is what is probably frustrating me the most.

Go Saints!!!!

by David "Satch" Kelly on Sep 17, 2008 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions

I'm thinking that he is trying to emulate Bill Parcells, but without the sarcasm

You remember Bill Parcells. The Saints killed his coaching career in Dallas on December 10, 2006.

by stujo4 on Sep 17, 2008 1:35 PM CDT up reply actions

Yeah, I remember

I remember the Parcels comments like, “Let’s not annoint him just yet,” and “Let’s not send him to Canton yet” in regards to Tony Romo. Payton, these days, seems like he’s trying to emulate Belichick more than anyone else. If it pays off in the long run with a championship, I’ll then fly to NOLA and beg his forgiveness for ever doubting him. And he’ll be like, “Who the hell are you and why are you kneeling before me?”

I’m just anxious to hear what came out of practice today and who will be close to healthy for this Broncos game.

Go Saints!!!!

by David "Satch" Kelly on Sep 17, 2008 2:15 PM CDT up reply actions

Once again, NO F$#@ING DEUCE!

Seriously, why dress Deuce if you’re not even going to play him? Payton is really starting to piss me off! It truly hurts to see the same play from last week not keep a game-winning drive alive against Denver. I’m no longer a Payton fan.

Go Saints!!!!

by David "Satch" Kelly on Sep 21, 2008 6:47 PM CDT reply actions